Spinach Recalled By California Grower

Metz Fresh, LLC, Salinas, CA, has voluntarily recalled bagged spinach as a result of a positive test for Salmonella found during routine company testing. The spinach is sold under the Metz Fresh label and is distributed to retail and foodservice outlets in the United States and Canada.

The positive test came during independent lab testing the company conducts on all of its products. Through its labeling and numbering system, Metz Fresh tracked, located and stopped distribution of the majority of spinach affected. That spinach will not be released into the marketplace.

Recalled products include 10- and 16-oz. bags, as well as 2.5-lb. and 4-lb. cartons bearing the tracking codes 2208114, 12208214 and 12208314.

Although the company says there have been no reports of illness or problems related to this spinach, they are advising consumers to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Nothing is more important to Metz Fresh than the safety of our consumers, period, says Andrew Cumming, president. As soon as we learned of the presumptive positive test, we directed all customers to hold all boxes of the spinach affected as a precaution. Now, with this positive test confirmation, there is no question that we would recall and destroy all spinach bearing these three codes.

According to a company press release, Metz Fresh is keeping authorities updated on the status of the voluntary recall.

Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen that can cause severe illnesses, including fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. While most individuals recover in three to five days without medical intervention, the infection can be life-threatening to young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.